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PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
ELECTRIC PROGRAM INVESTMENT CHARGE (EPIC) 2019 ANNUAL REPORT
FEBRUARY 28, 2020
ATTACHMENT A: 2019 EPIC Annual Report
ATTACHMENT B:
2019 EPIC Annual Report Appendix A
ATTACHMENT C: 2019 EPIC Annual Report Appendix B
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PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
ATTACHMENT A
2019 EPIC ANNUAL REPORT
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Pursuant to Decision (D.) 12-05-037 – Phase 2 Decision Establishing Purposes and Governance for Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC) and Establishing Funding Collections for 2013-2020, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) hereby files the 2018 Annual Report for the EPIC Program.
In compliance with Ordering Paragraph (OP) 16, a copy will also be served on all parties in the most recent EPIC proceedings; the most recent General Rate Cases (GRC) of PG&E, Southern California Edison Company (SCE), and San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E); and each successful and unsuccessful applicant for an EPIC funding award during the previous calendar year.
Service Lists:
EPIC 2012-2014: Application (A.) 12-11-001, A.12-11-002, A.12-11-003, and A.12-11-004.
EPIC 2015-2017: A.14-05-003, A.14-05-004, A.14-05-005, and A.14-04-034.
EPIC 2018-2020: A.17-04-028, A.17-05-003, A.17-05-005, and A.17-05-009.
EPIC Research Administration Plan: A.19-04-026 EPIC Program Renewal OIR: R.19-10-005
PG&E recently filed GRC: A.18-12-009.
SCE recently filed GRC: A.19-08-013.
SDG&E RECENTLY filed GRC: A.17-10-007.
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PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY ELECTRIC PROGRAM INVESTMENT CHARGE (EPIC)
2019 ANNUAL REPORT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Executive Summary ................................................................................................ 1
A. Overview of Program and Plan Highlights ........................................................ 1
2. Introduction and Overview .................................................................................... 12
A. Background on EPIC ...................................................................................... 12
B. EPIC Program Components ........................................................................... 13
C. EPIC Program Regulatory Process ................................................................ 14
D. Coordination ................................................................................................... 14
E. Transparent and Public Process .................................................................... 15
3. Budget .................................................................................................................. 16
A. Authorized Budget .......................................................................................... 16
B. Commitments/Encumbrances ........................................................................ 16
C. Dollars Spent on In-House Activities .............................................................. 17
D. Fund Shifting Above 5 Percent between Program Areas ............................... 17
E. Uncommitted/Unencumbered Funds .............................................................. 17
F. Directly Awarded Funds ................................................................................. 18
G. Match Funding ............................................................................................... 19
4. Projects ................................................................................................................. 19
A. Summary of Project Funding .......................................................................... 19
B. Project Status Report (See Appendix A) ........................................................ 19
C. Project Descriptions and Updates .................................................................. 19
Project #1.01 – Energy Storage End Uses ..................................................... 20
Project #1.02 – Demonstrate the Use of Distributed Energy Storage for Transmission and Distribution (T&D) Cost Reduction .............................. 22
Project #1.03 – Demonstrate Priority Scenarios from the Energy Storage Framework ................................................................................. 24
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Project #1.04 – Expand Test Lab and Pilot Facilities for New Energy Storage Systems ..................................................................................... 26
Project #1.05 – Demonstrate New Resource Forecast Methods to Better Predict Variable Resource Output ................................................. 28
Project #1.06 – Demonstrate Communication Systems Allowing the CAISO to Utilize Available Renewable Generation Flexibility .................. 30
Project not executed. ...................................................................................... 30
Project #1.07 – Demonstrate Systems to Ramp Existing Gas-Fired Generation More Quickly to Adapt to Changes in Variable Energy Resources Output .................................................................................... 31
Project #1.08 – Improve Distribution System Safety and Reliability Through New Data Analytics Techniques ................................................ 33
Project #1.09A – Test New Remote Monitoring and Control Systems for Existing Transmission and Distribution Assets: Close Proximity Switching .................................................................................. 35
Project #1.09B and 1.10B – Test New Remote Monitoring and Control Systems for T&D Assets/Demonstrate New Strategies and Technologies to Improve the Efficacy of Existing Maintenance and Replacement Programs ........................................................................... 37
Project #1.09C – Test New Remote Monitoring and Control Systems for T&D Assets: Discrete Series Reactors ................................................... 39
Project #1.10A – Demonstrate Automated Asset Notification and Management Systems: Dissolved Gas Analysis ..................................... 41
Project #1.10C – Demonstrate Automated Asset Notification and Management Systems: Underground Cable Analysis ............................. 42
Project #1.11 – Demonstrate Self-Correcting Tools to Improve System Records and Operations .......................................................................... 43
Project #1.12 – Demonstrate New Technologies That Improve Wildlife Safety and Protect Assets From Weather-Related Degradation .............. 45
Project #1.13 – Demonstrate New Communication Systems to Improve Substation Automation and Interoperability ............................................. 46
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Project #1.14 – Demonstrate “Next Generation” SmartMeter™ Telecom Network Functionalities ............................................................................ 48
Project #1.15 – Demonstrate New Technologies and Strategies That Support Integrated “Customer-to-Market-to-Grid” Operations of the Future ...................................................................................................... 50
Project #1.16 – Demonstrate Electric Vehicle as a Resource to Improve Grid Power Quality and Reduce Customer Outages ............................... 52
Project #1.17 – Leverage EPIC Funds by Participating in Multi-Utility, Industry Wide RD&D Programs Such as EPRI ........................................ 54
Project #1.18 – Demonstrate SmartMeter-Enabled Data Analytics to Provide Customers With Appliance-Level Energy Use Information ......... 56
Project #1.19 – Pilot Enhanced Data Techniques and Capabilities via the SmartMeter Platform .......................................................................... 58
Project #1.20 – Demonstrate the Benefits of Providing the Competitive, Open Market With Automated Access to Customer-Authorized SmartMeter Data to Drive Innovation. ...................................................... 60
Project #1.21 – Pilot Methods for Automatic Identification of Distributed Energy Resources (Such as Solar PV) as They Interconnect to the Grid to Improve Safety & Reliability ......................................................... 62
Project #1.22 – Demonstrate Subtractive Billing With Submetering for EVs to Increase Customer Billing Flexibility ............................................. 64
Project #1.23 – Demonstrate Additive Billing With Submetering for PVs to Increase Customer Billing Flexibility .................................................... 66
Project #1.24 – Demonstrate DSM for T&D Cost Reduction .......................... 68
Project #1.25 – Develop a Tool to Map the Preferred Locations for DC Fast Charging, Based on Traffic Patterns and PG&E's Distribution System, to Address EV Drivers' Needs, While Reducing the Impact on PG&E's Distribution Grid ..................................................................... 70
Project #1.26 – Pilot Measurement and Telemetry Strategies and Technologies That Enable the Cost-Effective Integration of Mass Market Demand Response (DR) Resources Into the CAISO Wholesale Market .................................................................................... 72
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Project #2.01 – Evaluate Storage on the Distribution Grid ............................. 74
Project #2.02 – Pilot Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS) ................................................................................... 75
Project #2.03A – Test Smart Inverter (SI) Enhanced Capabilities –PV .......... 78
Project #2.03B – Test Smart Inverter Enhanced Capabilities – Vehicle to Home ................................................................................................... 81
Project #2.04 – DG Monitoring & Voltage Tracking ........................................ 83
Project #2.05 – Inertia Response Emulation for DG Impact Improvement ............................................................................................ 85
Project #2.06 – Intelligent Universal Transformer (IUT) ................................. 87
Project #2.07 – Real-Time Loading Data for Distribution Operations and Planning ................................................................................................... 89
Project #2.08 – “Smart” Monitoring and Analysis Tools .................................. 91
Project #2.09 – Distributed Series Impedance (DSI) Phase 2 ........................ 92
Project #2.10 – Emergency Preparedness Modeling ..................................... 93
Project #2.11 – New Mobile Technology & Visualization Applications ........... 95
Project #2.12 – New Emergency Management Mobile Applications .............. 96
Project #2.13 – Digital Substation/Substation Automation ............................. 97
Project #2.14 – Automatically Map Phasing Information ................................ 98
Project #2.15 – Synchrophasor Applications for Generator Dynamic Model Validation .................................................................................... 100
Project #2.16 – Enhanced Synchrophasor Analytics & Applications ............ 102
Project #2.17 – Geomagnetic Disturbance (GMD) Evaluation ..................... 103
Project #2.18 – Optical Instrument Transformers and Sensors for Protection and Control Systems ............................................................ 104
Project #2.19 – Enable Distributed Demand-Side Strategies & Technologies ......................................................................................... 105
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Project #2.20 – Real-Time Energy Usage Feedback to Customers ............. 107
Project #2.21 – Home Area Network (HAN) for Commercial Customers ...... 108
Project #2.22 – Demand Reduction Through Targeted Data Analytics ........ 110
Project #2.23 – Integrate Demand Side Approaches Into Utility Planning .... 112
Project #2.24 – Appliance Level Bill Disaggregation for Non-Residential Customers ............................................................................................. 114
Project #2.25 – Enhanced Smart Grid Communications .............................. 115
Project #2.26 – Customer & Distribution Automation Open Architecture Devices .................................................................................................. 116
Project #2.27 – Next Generation Integrated Smart Grid Network Management .......................................................................................... 118
Project #2.28 – Smart Grid Communications Path Monitoring ..................... 120
Project #2.29 – Mobile Meter Applications ................................................... 122
Project #2.30 – Leverage EPIC Funds to Participate in Industry-Wide RD&D Programs .................................................................................... 124
Project #2.31 – Aggregated Behind-The-Meter Storage Market/Retail Optimization ........................................................................................... 125
Project #2.32 – Electric Load Management for Ridesharing Electrification ......................................................................................... 126
Project #2.33 – Service Issue Identification Leveraging Momentary Outage Information ................................................................................ 127
Project #2.34 – Predictive Risk Identification with RF Added to Line Sensors .................................................................................................. 129
Project #2.35 – Call Center Staffing Optimization ........................................ 131
Project #2.36 – Dynamic Rate Design Tool .................................................. 132
Project #3.01 – Automated DER Impact & Long-Term Dynamics Evaluation .............................................................................................. 134
Project #3.02 – Utility Aggregated Resources With Market Participation ..... 136
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Project #3.03 – Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS) and ADMS Advanced Functionality ....................................... 138
Project #3.04 – Multi-Nodal Distributed Digital Ledger ................................. 142
Project #3.05 – Virtual DER Markets for Capacity and Other Attributes ....... 144
Project #3.06 – Auto Identification (AutoID) of Behind-the-Meter (BTM) Storage .................................................................................................. 146
Project #3.07 – Utility Scale Storage for Load Balancing ............................. 148
Project #3.08 – Second-Life Batteries for Grid Needs .................................. 150
Project #3.09 – Dynamic Near-Term DER Load Forecasting ....................... 152
Project #3.10 – Grid of the Future Scenario Engine ..................................... 154
Project #3.11 – Location-Specific Options for Reliability and/or Resilience Upgrades .............................................................................. 155
Project #3.12 – Advanced Volt/Var Optimization (VVO) Functionalities ....... 158
Project #3.13 – Transformer Monitoring via FAN ......................................... 159
Project #3.14 – Maintenance Prioritization for Imminent Asset Risk ............ 161
Project #3.15 – Proactive Wires Down Mitigation ......................................... 162
Project #3.16 – Advanced Condition Monitoring for Remote Diagnostics .... 164
Project #3.17 – Generic Universal Distribution Controller (UDC) for Relay, Regulator, LTC, Capacitor, Interrupter Control ........................... 165
Project #3.18 – Transformer Health Monitoring ............................................ 167
Project #3.19 – Unified Network Solution ..................................................... 168
Project #3.20 – Data Analytics for Predictive Maintenance .......................... 169
Project #3.21 – Advanced Vegetation Management Insights Using Prescriptive Analytics ............................................................................. 171
Project #3.22 – Abnormal State Configuration Risk and Mitigation .............. 173
Project #3.23 – Enhanced Distribution Line Equipment Device Settings Management .......................................................................................... 175
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Project #3.24 – Automatic Power Factor (PF) Management ........................ 176
Project #3.25 – Electric Grid Monitoring Meter ............................................. 177
Project #3.26 – Predictive Data Analytics for Proactive Meter Replacement .......................................................................................... 179
Project #3.27 –MPM ..................................................................................... 181
Project #3.28 – Real-Time Load-Based Charging ........................................ 183
Project #3.29 – Advanced Customer Bill Scenario Calculator ...................... 185
Project #3.30 – Connected Device Real-Time Pricing-Based Control .......... 187
Project #3.31 – Real-Time DER Price Signals ............................................. 189
Project #3.32 – System Harmonics for Power Quality Investigations ........... 190
Project #3.33 – Cyber-Physical Integrated Security ..................................... 191
Project #3.34 – Local Wireless Security for Critical Facilities ....................... 192
Project #3.35 – Advance Security of Internet of Things Communications .... 193
Project #3.36 – Cybersecurity for Industrial Control Systems (ICS) ............. 194
Project #3.37 – Augmented Reality .............................................................. 195
Project #3.38 – Voltage Checks ................................................................... 197
Project #3.39 – Optimized Dispatch for Restoration Events ......................... 199
Project #3.40 – Advanced Field Reference Tool .......................................... 200
Project #3.41 – Drone Enablement and Operational Use ............................. 201
Project #3.42 – Electric Load Management for Ridesharing Electrification ......................................................................................... 202
Project #3.43 – Service Issue Identification Leveraging Momentary Outage Information ................................................................................ 203
5. Conclusion .......................................................................................................... 205
A. Key Results for the Year for PG&E EPIC Programs .................................... 205
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B. Next Steps for EPIC Investment Plan ........................................................... 206
C. Issues That May Have Major Impact on Progress in Projects ...................... 207
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PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY ELECTRIC PROGRAM INVESTMENT CHARGE (EPIC)
2019 ANNUAL REPORT
1. Executive Summary
A. Overview of Program and Plan Highlights Pursuant to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC or
Commission) D.12-05-037, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E or the Company), and the other Administrators of the Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC) Program were directed to file annual reports each year beginning February 28, 2013 through February 28, 2020 with the Director of the CPUC’s Energy Division.1 Annual Reports shall be served on all parties in the most recent EPIC proceeding, all parties to the most recent GRC of each electric utility, and to each successful and unsuccessful applicant for an EPIC funding award during the previous calendar year. In compliance with Ordering Paragraph 16 of D.12-05-037, and consistent with the Annual Report outline developed collaboratively by the EPIC Administrators and the Public Advocates Office at the California Public Utilities Commission,2 PG&E files its eighth annual report.
In D.12-05-037, the Commission authorized funding in the areas of applied Research and Development (R&D), Technology Demonstration and Deployment (TD&D), and Market Facilitation. The Investor-Owned Utility (IOU) Administrators’ role was limited to TD&D only.
On November 19, 2013, the CPUC issued D.13-11-025, which authorized the first triennial investment period of 2012-2014 (referred to as EPIC 1). On April 15, 2015, the CPUC issued D.15-04-020, which approved the second triennial investment plan period of 2015-2017 (referred to as EPIC 2). On August 10, 2017, the CPUC issued Resolution (Res.) E-4863, which approved two of the six new EPIC projects proposed by PG&E via a Tier 3 Advice Letter 5015-E filed on February 7, 2017, between triennial EPIC
1 The four EPIC Program Administrators are PG&E, SCE, SDG&E, and the California Energy
Commission (CEC). 2 This annual report outline is based on the adopted EPIC Administrator Annual Report
Outline as described in Attachment 5 of D.13-11-025.
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Applications as permitted by D.15-09-005. On April 28, 2017, PG&E filed its A.17-04-028 for the third triennial investment plan period of 2018-2020 (referred to as EPIC 3). On October 25, 2018, the CPUC issued D.18-10-052, which approved the third triennial investment plan period of 2018-2020 but directed utility administrators not to spend, commit or encumber one-third of their respective EPIC program budgets until the commission approves their joint Research Administration Plan (RAP) application. On April 23, 2019, the utilities filed their joint RAP application, and on February 10, 2020, the Commission issued D.20-02-003 approving the RAP application and authorizing the utilities to encumber, commit, and spend the remaining one-third of their EPIC 3 budgets.
This report summarizes PG&E’s projects’ progress and status for the approved funding cycles, which includes TD&D projects in the following areas:
1) Renewables and Distributed Energy Resource (DER) Integration – Integrate DERs, generation and storage; improve transparency of resource information; increase generation flexibility.
2) Grid Modernization and Optimization – Optimize existing grid assets; prepare for emerging technologies; design and demonstrate grid operations of the future.
3) Customer Service and Enablement – Drive customer service excellence through new offerings for PG&E’s customers that enable greater customer choice; integrate Demand-Side Management (DSM) for grid optimization.
4) Cross Cutting/Foundational Strategies and Technologies – Enhance and apply tools to better prepare and respond to natural disasters (e.g., risk analytics, wildfire ignition, and impact efforts), support next generation infrastructure, including smart grid architecture, cybersecurity, telecommunications and standards, as well as other “foundational” activities in support of all three program areas above. PG&E continues to be strongly committed to the EPIC Program and the
value it provides to its customers, as it offers the opportunity to cost-effectively develop and demonstrate innovative technologies which can advance the Company’s core values of Safety, Reliability, Resiliency, and Affordability. Through these projects, the EPIC Program also contributes learnings that
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support important and ambitious California policy priorities, such as Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reduction goals, distributed energy resources, renewable energy targets, and wildfire risk and impact mitigation.
With the climate-induced challenges of increasing wildfires and extreme weather events, increased grid visibility, flexibility and advanced data-driven technology operations are key. Through its EPIC 3 project portfolio, PG&E is actively exploring technologies that can mitigate ignition risk and associated potential impact on public safety. These technologies hold significant promise to advance PG&E’s wildfire risk mitigation, bolster operational capabilities, increase the flexibility of the grid, and allow for greater system resiliency. PG&E’s 2019 TD&D Program Highlights
PG&E launched four EPIC 3 projects and completed an EPIC 1 project between the publishing of the 2018 and 2019 annual reports, which brings the total number of completed projects to date to 34. Currently there are two EPIC 2 projects, and five EPIC 3 projects in flight.
For detailed information on the developments and status of each EPIC 1, EPIC 2, and EPIC 3 project, see Appendix A. EPIC 1
In the first triennial cycle, the EPIC 1 portfolio demonstrated PG&E’s ability to adopt a new model for managing, aligning, tracking and executing research, development and demonstration (RD&D) activities. This portfolio covered a wide spectrum of technologies that help make the electric grid safer, more reliable, and more affordable for customers, and to advance clean energy policy objectives. Most of the EPIC 1 projects closed out in 2017 and examples of their achievements are detailed in prior annual reports.
The final EPIC 1 project, EPIC 1.22 – Demonstrate Subtractive Billing with Submetering for EVs to Increase Customer Billing Flexibility closed out in 2019. Through this project, PG&E identified key elements of third-party EV submetering solutions that will need to be improved before they are deployed to serve the state of California. PG&E identified that for third-party solutions to meet revenue-grade metering standards, improvements will need to be made in metering accuracy, data transfer reliability, and communication network reliability. The project’s purpose, methods, findings, results, and industry-
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relevant learnings are further documented in the final report attached in Appendix B. EPIC 2
The projects from EPIC 2 are even more focused on long-term strategic objectives and in many cases are built on the foundations developed through previous EPIC projects. Most of the EPIC 2 projects closed out in 2018 and 2019, and examples of their achievements are detailed in prior annual reports. The last two EPIC 2 projects will close in 2020:
EPIC 2.34 - Predictive Risk Identification with Radio Frequency (RF)
Added to Line Sensors is demonstrating the use of RF sensor technology that could allow PG&E to more effectively identify and locate degrading assets and risks of failure in the distribution system, to enable proactive maintenance and further safety and resiliency. Field demonstration of RF-based sensors is underway on live distribution circuits. The technology employs the use of pole-mounted RF-based sensors for incipient fault detection by monitoring partial discharge events, which may be caused by broken insulators, mechanical damage, or vegetation contact. In parallel, an alternative technology, which uses advanced algorithms to analyze voltage and current waveform data for proactive fault anticipation, is also being demonstrated to compare the performance and effectiveness of RF-based technologies.
EPIC 2.36 - Customer Rate Design Tool is demonstrating that through a software platform, PG&E can more systematically and efficiently explore new experimental rate designs, including those that could yield more equitable, cost-based rate structures that minimize cross-subsidies within revenue classes. This tool enables complex rate design exploration for DER adoption, provides a faster and more robust approach to rate design and leverages big data technology to evaluate hypothetical new rate structures based on full information with nuanced sensitivity analysis. This project is in its closeout phase. EPIC 3
In 2019 PG&E launched four EPIC 3 projects with an increased focus on safety and resiliency. Projects focus on wildfire risk reduction and Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) impact reduction. Five other projects are in the planning phase with expected launch by mid-2020.
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EPIC 3.03 - Advanced Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems (DERM) and Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) is developing a DERMS head-end system and associated interfaces for DER telemetry & control and demonstrating this system on: (1) an operational remote grid and (2) non-grid DERs participating in a Non-Wire Alternative (NWA) project. If successful, this project could inform operating strategies and produce capabilities to significantly increase the flexibility of the grid and provide fundamental capabilities to reduce overall wildfire risk exposure and increase resilience for customers. The project could also reduce the cost of telemetry associated with large scale DERs interconnected to PG&E’s grid.
EPIC 3.11 – Location Targeted DERs is configuring the Arcata-Eureka airport’s local microgrid controller to integrate with PG&E’s distribution network and enable Distribution Control Center visibility and control of the microgrid. The project is developing scalable and replicable approaches to planning, designing, deploying and operating multi-customer microgrids. The results of this project could inform operating strategies and produce capabilities to significantly increase the flexibility of the grid and provide fundamental capabilities to advance system resiliency.
EPIC 3.15 – Proactive Wire Down Mitigation is demonstrating Rapid Earth Fault Current Limiter (REFCL) technology at a PG&E substation serving a high fire-risk area, to assess its effectiveness at automatic current reduction in wires-down events, with the goal of drastically reducing the likelihood of wires down events causing wildfires.
EPIC 3.20 – Data Analytics for Predictive Maintenance is leveraging Geographic Information System (GIS), weather, SmartMeter™, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and other data to develop and demonstrate analytical models that predict when maintenance will be needed for distribution assets. If successful, this project could significantly improve PG&E’s ability to proactively predict imminent asset failure. This will result in reducing the number of asset failures, which will reduce public safety risk and the risk of wildfire ignition.
EPIC 3.43 – Momentary Outage Analytics is developing analytical models that use Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) momentary events and trap alarms to identify issues with customer service drops, insulator failures, and
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intermittent vegetation contact. The data model developed through this project, which analyzes SmartMeter™ data with higher granularity, could proactively predict imminent distribution equipment failures before they occur. This capability may result in more immediate or tactical recommendations for actions to mitigate distribution system risks, thereby reducing public safety risk. Potential Benefits
Upon closeout of EPIC 3 projects, PG&E will report forward-looking estimates of potential benefits if the technology is deployed in production. PG&E will also report the quantification of any benefits realized during the demonstration. PG&E will continue to provide updates on realized benefits for key projects after they have closed through its subsequent EPIC Annual Reports. This information will support the establishment of the joint EPIC database directed in D.8-10-052. EPIC 3 projects are expected to start closing in 2021. EPIC Intellectual Property
In 2019, PG&E was granted patents with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and international protection through the Patent Cooperation Treaty for the following EPIC projects: EPIC 1.21 – Pilot Methods for Automatic Identification of DERs (such as
Solar Photovoltaics (PV)) as They Interconnect to the Grid to Improve Safety & Reliability: Patent for an algorithm which can detect unauthorized PV interconnections.
EPIC 2.29 – Mobile Meter Applications (NextGen Meter – NGM): Patent on mobile meter with modular housing/board assembly Before 2019, PG&E filed for non-provisional patent protection for the
following EPIC projects: EPIC 1.14 – Demonstrate “Next Generation” SmartMeter™ Telecom
Network Functionalities: Patent for the development of the Smart Pole Meter, Smart Pole Meter Socket, Patent for an algorithm to help identify downed wires.
EPIC 2.26 – Customer and Distribution Automation Open Architecture
Devices: Patent for algorithms to communicate and control edge devices through the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) network.
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An additional provisional patent was also filed for the following EPIC project: EPIC 2.22 – Demand Reduction Through Targeted Data Analytics:
Provisional patent for system and server for parallel processing mixed integer programs for load management. These patents may provide potential future revenue generating
opportunities that would be shared with PG&E’s customers and shareholders,3 and ultimately support improved affordability if the patents lead to increased revenue. PG&E continues to consider opportunities to license patents, as well as opportunities to identify additional Intellectual Property in these and other projects. Further Technology Advancement Needs
It is important to recognize the value of EPIC in determining that a technology is not ready to scale and identifying necessary improvements that can help bring technologies to market. For example, through EPIC 1.22 – Demonstrate Subtractive Billing with Submetering for EVs to Increase Customer Billing Flexibility Project, PG&E identified that for third-party solutions to meet revenue-grade metering standards, improvements will need to be made in metering accuracy, data transfer reliability, and communication network reliability.
EPIC also helps to identify where technology advancement is necessary before it is considered for adoption on a larger scale, which ultimately supports affordability for customers by ensuring the solution has high potential to transition from the demonstration stage to deployment stage. One such effort is being pursued in EPIC 2.34 Predictive Risk Identification with RF Added to Line Sensors. Through the ongoing demonstration of pre-commercial RF-based sensors to detect incipient faults on distribution circuits, the project team has been acquiring valuable lessons learned through field testing at a demonstration scale. The team has provided prescriptive feedback to
3 The revenue sharing mechanism is based on the guidance provided in CPUC D.13-110-25
OP 34, which states: [IOUs] must apply a 75 percent/25 percent (ratepayer/shareholder) revenue sharing mechanism for net revenues (from future or ongoing royalties, license fees, and other “financial benefits of IP”) related to financial benefits of IP that was developed under IOU contracts with Electric Program Investment Charge funds.
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vendors, such as ideas on product miniaturization and design improvements to enable more efficient installation and maintenance, all of which will help advance the technology to a more mature level for eventual deployment at a larger scale. Status of Programs
In D.13-11-025, the CPUC approved 27of the 29 projects proposed by PG&E in the EPIC 1 Investment Plan, since two projects were formally withdrawn by PG&E prior to the issuance of this decision.4 In D.15-04-020, the Commission approved the 31 projects proposed by PG&E in the EPIC 2 Plan.5 In Res.E-4863, the Commission approved two of the six projects proposed by PG&E in the Tier 3 AL 5015-E filed between triennial EPIC Applications.6 On April 28, 2017, PG&E filed A.17-04-028 for the third triennial investment plan period of 2018-2020 (referred to as EPIC 3) which included 43 proposed projects. On October 25, 2018 in D.18-10-052, the Commission approved the 43 projects in PG&E’s proposed EPIC 3 Investment Plan with minor modifications. The Commission also required the utilities to file a joint application containing a RAP, identifying program administration improvements in response to the 2017 EPIC program evaluation within 180 days and required utilities not to commit, encumber or spend one-third of their EPIC 3 budgets until a subsequent decision that approved RAP. On April 23, 2019, the utilities filed their joint RAP application, and on February 10, 2020, the Commission issued D.20-02-003 approving the RAP application and authorizing the utilities to encumber, commit, and spend the remaining one-third of their EPIC 3 budgets.
4 In the EPIC 1 Plan (A.12-11-003), PG&E originally proposed 26 projects. Project 1.09 was
subsequently split into three projects and project 1.10 was split into two projects, resulting in a total of 29 projects. The projects formally withdrawn by PG&E were projects 1.04 and 1.07.
5 In the EPIC 2 Plan (A.14-05-003), PG&E originally proposed 30 projects. Per CPUC D.15-04-020 to include an assessment of the use and impact of EV energy flow capabilities, Project 2.3 was split into two projects, resulting in a total of 31 projects.
6 In the Tier 3 Advice Letter 5015-E filed between triennial EPIC applications, PG&E originally proposed six projects. CPUC Res.E-4863 approved two (Projects 2.34 and 2.36) of the six proposed projects, allowed PG&E’s withdrawal of one project (Project 2.31), deferred two projects to a future investment plan (Projects 2.32 and 2.33) and rejected one project (Projects 2.35).
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EPIC Administrators continue to participate in regular review meetings, conduct joint webinars and workshops, and regularly collaborate on EPIC-related matters. The EPIC Administrators generally meet bi-weekly to discuss EPIC and their respective objectives for the program, as well as to ensure collaboration and avoid duplication.
PG&E has an internal governance structure that ensures approved projects within the TD&D Program adhere to the EPIC guiding principles and requirements, as well as the potentially changing marketplace and evolving technologies to ensure PG&E maximizes this program to continue to meet customer needs while maintaining safety, reliability, resiliency, and affordability of the grid. With the Commission’s issuance of D.20-02-003 approving the RAP application and authorizing the utilities to encumber, commit, and spend the remaining one-third of their EPIC 3 budgets, PG&E will define, prioritize, select and launch a second wave of EPIC 3 projects. Prior to selection and launch of this wave of projects, PG&E will facilitate a public workshop with EPIC stakeholders to gather and incorporate input on the proposed projects.
The following table summarizes the projects’ funding status by area and triennial investment plan program cycle as of December 31, 2019.
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-10-
TAB
LE1:
SU
MM
AR
Y O
F PR
OJE
CT
STA
TUS
AN
D F
UN
DIN
G B
Y PR
OG
RAM
CYC
LE
EPIC
Pr
ogra
m
Area
s EP
IC 1
EP
IC 2
EP
IC 3
To
tal
Renewables / DER Resource Integration
Proj
ects
: 3
1.0
1 En
ergy
Sto
rage
End
Use
s
1.0
2 D
emon
stra
te th
e U
se o
f Dis
tribu
ted
Ener
gy S
tora
ge
for T
&D C
ost R
educ
tion
1.0
5 D
emon
stra
te N
ew R
esou
rce
Fore
cast
Met
hods
to
Bette
r Pre
dict
Var
iabl
e R
esou
rce
Out
put
*Com
mitt
ed F
undi
ng: $
6.0M
- $7
.3M
Proj
ects
: 5
2.0
2 Pi
lot D
ERM
Ss
2.0
3A T
est S
I Enh
ance
d C
apab
ilitie
s –
PV
2.0
3B T
est S
I Enh
ance
d C
apab
ilitie
s –
Vehi
cle
to H
ome
2
.04
DG
mon
itorin
g &
Volta
ge
Trac
king
2
.05
Iner
tia R
espo
nse
Emul
atio
n fo
r DG
impa
ct im
prov
emen
t C
omm
itted
Fun
ding
: $13
.7M
- $1
5.6M
Proj
ects
: 2
3.0
3 D
ERM
S an
d AD
MS
Adva
nced
Fu
nctio
nalit
y 3
.11
Loca
tion-
Spec
ific
Opt
ions
for
Rel
iabi
lity
and/
or R
esilie
nce
Upg
rade
s C
omm
itted
Fun
ding
: $5.
5M –
6.8
M
Proj
ects
: 13
C
omm
itted
Fun
ding
: $2
5.2M
- $2
9.7
Grid Modernization & Optimization
Proj
ects
: 7
1.0
8 Im
prov
e D
istri
butio
n Sy
stem
Saf
ety
& R
elia
bilit
y th
roug
h N
ew D
ata
Anal
ytic
s Te
chni
ques
1
.09A
Tes
t New
Rem
ote
Mon
itorin
g an
d C
ontro
l Sy
stem
s fo
r Exi
stin
g Tr
ansm
issi
on &
Dis
tribu
tion
Asse
ts:
Clo
se P
roxi
mity
Sw
itchi
ng
1.0
9B/1
.10B
- Te
st N
ew R
emot
e M
onito
ring
& C
ontro
l Sy
stem
for T
&D A
sset
s / D
emon
stra
te N
ew S
trate
gies
an
d Te
ch to
Impr
ove
the
Effic
acy
of E
xist
ing
Mai
nten
ance
and
Rep
lace
men
t Pro
gram
s
1.0
9C T
est N
ew R
emot
e M
onito
ring
and
Con
trol
Syst
ems
for T
&D A
sset
s: D
iscr
ete
Serie
s R
eact
ors
1
.14
Dem
onst
rate
“Nex
t Gen
erat
ion”
Sm
artM
eter
™
Tele
com
Net
wor
k Fu
nctio
n
1.1
5 D
emon
stra
te N
ew T
echn
olog
ies
and
Stra
tegi
es
That
Sup
port
Inte
grat
ed “C
usto
mer
-to-M
arke
t-to-
Grid
” O
pera
tions
of t
he F
utur
e
1.1
6 D
emon
stra
te E
lect
ric V
ehic
le a
s a
Res
ourc
e to
Im
prov
e G
rid P
ower
Qua
lity
and
Red
uce
Cus
tom
er
Out
ages
C
omm
itted
Fun
ding
: $16
.1M
- $1
9.7M
Proj
ects
: 5
2.0
7 R
eal T
ime
Load
ing
Dat
a fo
r D
istri
butio
n O
pera
tions
&
Plan
ning
2
.10
Emer
genc
y Pr
epar
edne
ss
Mod
elin
g
2.1
4 Au
tom
atic
ally
Map
Pha
sing
In
form
atio
n 2
.15
Sync
hrop
haso
r App
licat
ions
fo
r Gen
erat
or D
ynam
ic M
odel
Va
lidat
ion
2
.34
Pred
ictiv
e R
isk
Iden
tific
atio
n w
ith R
F Ad
ded
to L
ine
Sens
ors
Com
mitt
ed F
undi
ng: $
10.4
M-
$11.
8M
Proj
ects
: 5
3.1
3 Tr
ansf
orm
er M
onito
ring
via
Fi
eld
Area
Net
wor
k (F
AN)
3.1
5 Pr
oact
ive
Wire
s D
own
Miti
gatio
n 3
.20
Dat
a An
alyt
ics
for P
redi
ctiv
e M
aint
enan
ce
3.2
1 Ad
vanc
ed V
eget
atio
n M
anag
emen
t Ins
ight
s us
ing
Pres
crip
tive
Anal
ytic
s 3
.43
Serv
ice
Issu
e Id
entif
icat
ion
Leve
ragi
ng M
omen
tary
Out
age
Info
rmat
ion
Com
mitt
ed F
undi
ng: $
13.6
M -
$16.
5M
Proj
ects
: 17
C
omm
itted
Fun
ding
: $4
0.1M
- $4
8.0M
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-11-
TAB
LE1:
SU
MM
AR
Y O
F PR
OJE
CT
STA
TUS
AN
D F
UN
DIN
G B
Y PR
OG
RAM
CYC
LE
(CO
NTI
NU
ED)
EPIC
Pr
ogra
m
Area
s EP
IC 1
EP
IC 2
EP
IC 3
To
tal
Customer Service & Enablement
Proj
ects
: 7
1.1
8 D
emon
stra
te S
mar
tMet
er™
-Ena
bled
Dat
a An
alyt
ics
to P
rovi
de C
usto
mer
s W
ith A
pplia
nce-
Leve
l Ene
rgy
Use
In
form
atio
n
1.1
9 Pi
lot E
nhan
ced
Dat
a Te
chni
ques
and
Cap
abilit
ies
via
the
Smar
tMet
er™
Pla
tform
1
.21
Pilo
t Met
hods
for A
utom
atic
Iden
tific
atio
n of
DER
s (S
uch
as S
olar
PV)
as
They
Inte
rcon
nect
to th
e G
rid to
Im
prov
e Sa
fety
& R
elia
bilit
y 1
.22
Dem
onst
rate
Sub
tract
ive
Billin
g W
ith S
ubm
eter
ing
for E
Vs to
Incr
ease
Cus
tom
er B
illing
Fle
xibi
lity
1
.23
Dem
onst
rate
Add
itive
Billi
ng W
ith S
ubm
eter
ing
for
PVs
to In
crea
se C
usto
mer
Billi
ng F
lexi
bilit
y
1.2
4 D
emon
stra
te D
SM fo
r T&D
Cos
t Red
uctio
n 1
.25
Dev
elop
a T
ool t
o M
ap T
he P
refe
rred
Loca
tions
for
DC
Fas
t Cha
rgin
g, B
ased
on
Traf
fic P
atte
rns
and
PG&E
's D
istri
butio
n Sy
stem
, to
Addr
ess
EV D
river
s'
Nee
ds W
hile
Red
ucin
g th
e Im
pact
on
PG&E
's
Dis
tribu
tion
Grid
C
omm
itted
Fun
ding
: $8.
7M -
$10.
6M
Proj
ects
: 5
2.
19 E
nabl
e D
istri
bute
d D
eman
d-Si
de S
trate
gies
& T
echn
olog
ies
2.21
Hom
e Ar
ea N
etw
ork
(HAN
) for
C
omm
erci
al C
usto
mer
s
2.
22 D
eman
d R
educ
tion
thro
ugh
Targ
eted
Dat
a An
alyt
ics
2.23
Inte
grat
e D
eman
d Si
de
Appr
oach
es in
to U
tility
Pla
nnin
g
2.
36 D
ynam
ic R
ate
Des
ign
Tool
C
omm
itted
Fun
ding
: $9.
3M-$
10.5
M
Proj
ects
: 2
3.27
Mul
ti-Pu
rpos
e M
eter
(MPM
)
3.32
Sys
tem
Har
mon
ics
for P
ower
Q
ualit
y In
vest
igat
ions
C
omm
itted
Fun
ding
: $4.
3M -
$5.3
M
Proj
ects
: 14
Com
mitt
ed F
undi
ng:
$22.
3M -
$26.
4M
Cross-Cutting/ Foundational
Proj
ects
: 0
Com
mitt
ed F
undi
ng: $
0M
Proj
ects
: 4
2.
26 C
usto
mer
& D
istri
butio
n Au
tom
atio
n O
pen
Arch
itect
ure
Dev
ices
2.27
Nex
t Gen
erat
ion
Inte
grat
ed
Smar
t Grid
Net
wor
k M
gmt.
2.28
Sm
art G
rid C
omm
unic
atio
ns
Path
Mon
itorin
g
2.
29 M
obile
Met
er A
pplic
atio
ns
Com
mitt
ed F
undi
ng: $
6.9M
-$7.
8M
Proj
ects
: 1
3.
41 D
rone
Ena
blem
ent a
nd
Ope
ratio
nal U
se
Com
mitt
ed F
undi
ng: $
2.1M
- $2
.5M
Proj
ects
: 5
Com
mitt
ed F
undi
ng:
$9.0
M -
$10.
3M
Sum
mar
y
Tota
l Fun
ded
Proj
ects
: 17
To
tal C
omm
itted
Fun
ding
: $30
.8M
-$37
.7M
To
tal P
roje
ct F
undi
ng E
ncum
bere
d: $
22.0
M
Tota
l Pro
ject
Fun
ding
Spe
nt to
Dat
e: $
34.6
M
Tota
l Adm
inis
trat
ive
Cos
ts S
pent
to D
ate:
$3.
0M
Tota
l Fun
ded
Proj
ects
: 19
To
tal C
omm
itted
Fun
ding
: $40
.2M
-$4
5.7M
To
tal P
roje
ct F
undi
ng
Encu
mbe
red:
$24
.7M
To
tal P
roje
ct F
undi
ng S
pent
to
Dat
e: $
43.3
M
Tota
l Adm
inis
trat
ive
Cos
ts S
pent
to
Dat
e: $
4.4M
Tota
l Fun
ded
Proj
ects
: 10
Tota
l Com
mitt
ed F
undi
ng: $
25.6
M –
$3
1.0M
To
tal P
roje
ct F
undi
ng
Encu
mbe
red:
3.4
M
Tota
l Pro
ject
Fun
ding
Spe
nt to
D
ate:
$3.
9M
Tota
l Adm
inis
trat
ive
Cos
ts S
pend
to
Dat
e: $
0.5M
k
Tota
l Fun
ded
Proj
ects
: 46
To
tal C
omm
itted
Fun
ding
: $9
6.6
- $11
4.4M
To
tal P
roje
ct F
undi
ng
Encu
mbe
red:
$50
.1M
To
tal P
roje
ct F
undi
ng
Spen
t to
Dat
e: 8
1.8M
To
tal A
dmin
istr
ativ
e C
osts
Sp
ent t
o D
ate:
$7.
5M
Pro
ject
s ar
e pr
iorit
ized
thro
ugh
an in
tern
al g
over
nanc
e pr
oces
s in
ord
er to
man
age
com
mitt
ed fu
ndin
g. R
emai
ning
fund
s m
ay, a
s ne
eded
, be
redi
rect
ed to
oth
er a
ppro
ved
proj
ects
in o
rder
to e
ffici
ently
util
ize
cust
omer
fund
s.
-
-12-
2. Introduction and Overview
A. Background on EPIC The EPIC Program is designed to assist the development of
pre-commercialized, new, and emerging energy technologies in California, while providing assistance to commercially viable projects. Through EPIC, PG&E develops and demonstrates innovative technologies that advance a broad array of objectives including grid safety, resiliency and reliability as well as customer enablement, and integration of renewable and DERs.
EPIC demonstration projects aid in identifying key requirements and insights to inform full deployment in a manner that strategically aligns the integration of technologies with existing operations. Given the rapidly evolving energy landscape and the impact of climate change in California, the continuation of technology innovation programs like EPIC is critical to the continued advancements of grid capabilities to enable advancements on safety and resiliency.
Funding for EPIC is authorized in Public Utilities Code (Pub. Util. Code) Section 399.8, which governed the Public Goods Charge (PGC) until expiration on January 1, 2012. The Commission opened an Order Instituting Rulemaking (OIR) (Rulemaking) (R.11-10-003) to establish the Electric Program Investment Charge to preserve funding for the public ratepayer benefits associated with the renewables and RD&D activities provided by the electric PGC. The rulemaking included two phases, with Phase 1 to establish the EPIC Program on an interim basis in 2012, and Phase 2 to establish purposes and governance for EPIC to continue from 2013-2020.7 The EPIC Program Administrators include the CEC and three Electric IOUs: PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E.
In its Phase I Decision Establishing Interim Research, Development and Demonstrations and Renewables Program Funding Levels (D.11-12-035), the CPUC established 2012 funding at approximately $142 million, and authorized PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E to institute the EPIC Program, effective January 1, 2012, to collect funds for renewables programs, and RD&D programs at the same level authorized in 2011. Additionally, the surcharge was imposed on all
7 See Phase 1 D.11-12-035 and Phase 2 D.12-05-037.
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distribution customers based on the existing rate allocation between customer classifications, and collected in the Public Purpose Program component of rates.
On May 24, 2012, the Commission issued its Phase 2 Decision Establishing Purposes and Governance for Electric Program Investment Charge and Establishing Funding Collections for 2013-2020. The decision established an annual funding amount of $162 million for the 2012-2014 EPIC Program cycle (EPIC 1) and set the funding allocations among the three IOUs as 50.1 percent, 41.1 percent and 8.8 percent for PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E, respectively.8 On April 15, 2015, the CPUC issued D.15-04-020, which approved the second triennial investment plan period of 2015-2017 (EPIC 2). On October 25, 2018 in D.18-10-052, the Commission approved the third triennial investment plan period of 2018-2020 (EPIC 3) and ordered the utilities to jointly develop and file a RAP application that identified improvements the utilities would make in response to the recommendations made in the independent EPIC program evaluation. On April 23, 2019, the utilities filed their joint RAP application, and on February 10, 2020, the Commission issued D.20-02-003 approving the RAP application and authorizing the utilities to encumber, commit, and spend the remaining one-third of their EPIC 3 budgets.
B. EPIC Program Components Authorized by D.12-05-037, the EPIC Program is to fund investments in
the following three areas: (1) Applied R&D; (2) TD&D; and (3) Market Facilitation which consists of market research, regulatory permitting and streamlining, and workforce development activities. PG&E and the other IOU administrators were designated to administer EPIC funds only in the area of TD&D. The CEC was designated to administer funds in all areas, including a portion of TD&D.
8 OP 7 of D.12-05-037 requires the total collection amount to be adjusted on January 1, 2015
and January 1, 2018 commensurate with the average change in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers for the third quarter, for the previous three years.
-
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C. EPIC Program Regulatory Process D.12-05-037 defines the regulatory process and governance for the EPIC
Program. The decision requires EPIC Program Administrators to submit Triennial Investment Plans to cover 3-year cycles for 2012-2014, 2015-2017, and 2018-2020. The investment plans must include details about planned investments, as well as criteria for selecting and evaluating proposals. Each plan must be evaluated and approved by the Commission prior to program implementation. To date, Administrators have filed three Triennial Investment Plans for 2012-2014, 2015-2017 and 2018-2020. On October 25, 2018 in D.18-10-052, the Commission approved the EPIC 3 Investment Plan. In addition to the Triennial Investment Plans, the Administrators are required to file Annual Reports each year on February 28 through 2020, as well as Final Reports for each project.
D. Coordination In order to ensure adequate coordination of the EPIC Program, the EPIC
Administrators continue to participate in regular review meetings, conduct joint webinars and workshops, and regularly collaborate on EPIC-related matters. The EPIC Administrators generally meet bi-weekly to discuss EPIC and their respective objectives for the program, as well as to ensure collaboration and avoid duplication.
The IOU Administrators also continue to work together to leverage consistent approaches, where feasible, for meeting the objectives of the EPIC Program. This collaboration resulted in the development of a common EPIC framework, approved by the Commission in D.13-11-025, to help guide the individual IOU investment plans.
The CPUC established the Policy + Innovation Coordination Group (PICG) in D.18-01-008 and D.18-10-052. The PICG will identify opportunities for policy and innovation coordination, provide expertise, knowledge and analysis, and support coordination and feedback between administrators and the CPUC. Per D.18-10-052, PG&E is responsible for administering the contract with PICG Project Coordinator and acting as the fiscal manager on behalf of the CPUC. On December 27th, 2019 PG&E executed this contract. PG&E looks forward to continuing to coordinate with the EPIC Administrators and CPUC through this framework.
-
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E. Transparent and Public Process The Program’s Administrators hold stakeholder workshops during the
planning and implementation of the EPIC Triennial Investment Plans to ensure stakeholder feedback is received and incorporated. These stakeholder workshops to prepare for the Third Triennial Investment Plan were executed at the beginning of 2017 in advance of the EPIC 3 Application. Additionally, Administrators continue to engage with industry stakeholders by participating in and presenting at conferences, as well as hosting workshops/symposiums annually.
During the planning of the RAP application, which was submitted to CPUC on April 23, the Utilities engaged extensively with the CEC, peer R&D groups, disadvantaged community (DAC) groups and other interested stakeholders through a total of 13 stakeholder engagement sessions, to help define improvements to the utilities’ program administrative practices.
In 2019, the EPIC Administrators conducted the EPIC Symposium on February 19 in Sacramento, California, and the EPIC Fall Workshop on November 8 in San Diego, California.
In the EPIC Symposium, PG&E presented EPIC 2.22 - Demonstrate Subtractive Billing With Submetering for EVs to Increase Customer Billing Flexibility and also jointly facilitated with the Utilities a preliminary RAP workshop with EPIC stakeholders.
In the EPIC Fall Workshop the objectives were to inform stakeholders on changes to the EPIC program such as the new PICG, provide the status overview of launched and upcoming EPIC 3 projects, and facilitate discussion on the RAP and future stakeholder engagement plans. Public notice for these events is provided to a broad range of stakeholders including technology vendors, DAC, diverse suppliers, researchers, academics and energy consultants. The utilities and the CEC will continue to maintain transparency in the process via webinars and workshops.
Now that the Commission issued D.20-02-003 approving the RAP application and authorizing the utilities to encumber, commit, and spend the remaining one-third of their EPIC 3 budgets, PG&E will plan to launch a second wave of EPIC 3 projects. Prior to the selection and launch of projects,
-
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PG&E will facilitate a public workshop with EPIC stakeholders to gather input on the proposed projects that will inform the details of their scoping.
Furthermore, PG&E’s EPIC Program continues to remain accessible to the interested public. PG&E’s EPIC website (www.pge.com/epic) includes EPIC Program information and updates, as well as EPIC annual reports and projects’ final reports.
3. Budget
A. Authorized Budget The following table outlines the total Program, Administrative, and CPUC
regulatory oversight budget for each triennial cycle.
TABLE 2: TOTAL AUTHORIZED BUDGET BY PROGRAM CYCLE
Total Authorized Budgets
PG&E Program Budget
(TD&D only)
PG&E Admin. Budget
(TD&D only)
CEC Program Budget* (TD&D,
Applied R&D, & Market
Facilitation)
CEC Admin Budget*
(TD&D, Applied R&D, & Market
Facilitation)
CPUC Regulatory Oversight
Budget
EPIC 1: 2012-2014 $43.3 Million $4.9 Million $166.2 Million $18.5 Million $1.2 Million
EPIC 2: 2015-2017 $45.7 Million $5.1 Million $182.9 Million $20.4 Million $1.3 Million
EPIC 3: 2018-2020 $49.7Million $5.5 Million $199.1 Million $22.2 Million $1.4 Million
*portion remitted by PG&E
B. Commitments9/Encumbrances10 The following table outlines the PG&E total financial commitments and
encumbrances, as well the remittances made to both the CEC and CPUC beginning from program inception through December 31, 2019.
9 Per CPUC D.13-11-025, “committed funds” are monies budgeted for a particular project.
The committed fund range is defined as the project is approved through PG&E’s internal governance process.
10 Per CPUC D.13-11-025, “encumbered funds” refer to monies specified within contracts signed during a previous triennial investment plan cycle and associated with specific activities under that contract.
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TABLE 3: TOTAL COMMITMENTS/ENCUMBRANCES BY PROGRAM CYCLE
Commitments/ Encumbrances
PG&E Total Commitments*
PG&E Total Encumbrances**
CEC Program Remittance
CEC Admin Remittance
CPUC Remittance
EPIC 1: 2012-2014 $30.8 - $37.7 Million $22.5 Million $166.2 Million $18.5 Million $1.2 Million
EPIC 2: 2015-2017 $40.2 - $45.7 Million $24.7 Million $171.9 Million $20.4 Million $1.3 Million
EPIC 3: 2018-2020 $25.6 – 31.0 Million $3.5 Million $17.1 Million $16.2 Million $0.9 Million
*PG&E Total Commitments do not include PG&E Admin costs. **Some encumbered funds amounts have been retroactively updated to reflect some previous duplication in systems.
C. Dollars Spent on In-House Activities The following table outlines the PG&E total in-house project expenditures
and administrative costs, beginning from program inception through December 31, 2019.
TABLE 4: TOTAL DOLLARS SPENT ON IN-HOUSE ACTIVITIES BY PROGRAM CYCLE
Program Cycle PG&E In-House TD&D Project Expenditures *
PG&E In-House Program Administrative Costs
EPIC 1: 2012-2014 $11.5 Million $1.8 Million
EPIC 2: 2015-2017 $19.6 Million $3.4 Million
EPIC 3: 2018-2020 $2.7 Million $0.5 Million *PG&E In-House TD&D Project Expenditure includes internal staffing and staff augmentation at the project level. Some "Funds Expended to date: Contract/Grant Amount ($)" and "Funds Expended to date: In house expenditures ($)" have been updated. PG&E transitioned to a new cost model in 2016 that included changes to the structure of the allocation of overheads resulting in a change to how certain costs settled.
D. Fund Shifting Above 5 Percent between Program Areas All PG&E projects are within TD&D; therefore, there has been no fund
shifting between program areas.
E. Uncommitted/Unencumbered Funds11 Projects without committed funding are pending further project and
benefits analysis. The range of uncommitted funds is dependent on the range of authorized budget and committed funds as identified in Sections 3a and 3b, respectively. The following table outlines the PG&E
11 “Uncommitted” and “Unencumbered” funds refer to monies that are not identified in
solicitation plans or obligated to a particular project—these funds are considered unspent.
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uncommitted/unencumbered funding for each program cycle as of December 31, 2019.
TABLE 5: TOTAL UNCOMMITTED/UNENCUMBERED FUNDS BY PROGRAM CYCLE
Program Cycle Uncommitted/Unencumbered
Project Funds
EPIC 1: 2012-2014 $5.5 – $9.1 Million
EPIC 2: 2015-2017 $0 – $2.4 Million
EPIC 3: 2018-2020 $18.7 – 24.1 Million
F. Directly Awarded Funds As filed in the RAP12, PG&E will provide justification for all directly-
awarded contracts and provide project and summary level information in the annual report. Overarching company policy is to fill out a Direct Award Request Form, as included in Appendix B of RAP, for proposed direct award of $250,000 or greater. This amount will be $75,000 for EPIC projects starting 2020. Justifications for direct awards are provided in Appendix A. The following table summarizes the PG&E directly awarded contracts executed in 2019 at the onset of EPIC 3. PG&E is in the process of competitively bidding a number of additional contracts that will be reflected in the 2020 report.
TABLE 6: TOTAL DIRECTLY AWARDED FUNDS BY PROGRAM CYCLE
Program Cycle PG&E Total Vendor Contract Amount
PG&E Directly-Awarded Vendor Contract Amount
Directly-Awarded Contract Proportion
EPIC 3: 2018-2020 $3.3 Million $3.3 Million 100%
12 Joint Application Of Southern California Edison Company (U 338-E), Pacific Gas And
Electric Company (U 39-E), And San Diego Gas & Electric Company (U 902-E) For Approval Of The Research Administration Plan For The Electric Program Investment Charge https://www.pge.com/pge_global/common/pdfs/about-pge/environment/what-we-are-doing/electric-program-investment-charge/EPIC-3-Application-Joint.pdf
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G. Match Funding As filed in RAP13, PG&E will start reporting match funding to date
beginning with its EPIC 3 projects. PG&E’s EPIC 3 projects launched to-date have not received match funding.
4. Projects
A. Summary of Project Funding For a summary of project funding please refer to Table 1 in Section 1b.
B. Project Status Report (See Appendix A) See Project Status Report, Appendix A, with project details as of
December 31, 2019. The Project Status Report is based on the format provided in Attachment 6 of D.13-11-025.
C. Project Descriptions and Updates The project descriptions and updates included below are for EPIC 1,
EPIC 2, and EPIC 3 projects. Projects that are on hold have been included in the summary.
13 Ibid.
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Project #1.01 – Energy Storage End Uses
i. Investment Plan Period 1st Triennial (2012-2014)
ii. Assignment to Value Chain Grid Operation/Market Design
iii. Objective Develop technologies and strategies for efficient and optimized bidding and
scheduling of Energy Storage Technologies (EST) in California Independent System Operator (CAISO) markets and demonstrate those strategies using PG&E’s existing Sodium Sulfur Battery Energy Storage Systems (NaS BESS).
This project addresses the following CPUC proceedings: As applicable, operational experiences gained from this project can inform
outstanding policy and implementation issues as identified in Energy Storage OIR, R.15-03-011.
iv. Scope Develop and deploy technology to enable automated resource response to
CAISO market awards. Quantify the values that battery resources can capture in CAISO markets. Establish financial performance of battery resource participation in CAISO
markets. v. Deliverables
Demonstrate automated and remote-control application for generic energy storage resources to interface with existing SCADA systems.
Report financial performance from participation in CAISO markets. Report comparison of actual performance vs. hypothetical performance
quoted in industry reports. Comply with regulatory requirements and establish
framework/recommendations for accounting standards applicable to energy storage.
vi. Metrics
1i – Nameplate capacity (megawatts) of grid-connected energy storage. 3a – Maintain/Reduce operations and maintenance costs. 6a – CAISO NGR financial settlements. 7b – Increased use of cost-effective digital information and control technology
to improve reliability, security, and efficiency of the electric grid (Pub. Util. Code § 8360).
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7c – Dynamic optimization of grid operations and resources, including appropriate consideration for asset management and utilization of related grid operations and resources, with cost-effective full cyber security (Pub. Util. Code § 8360).
7l – Identification and lowering of unreasonable or unnecessary barriers to adoption of smart grid technologies, practices, and services (Pub. Util. Code § 8360).
9c – EPIC project results referenced in regulatory proceedings and policy reports (Business Plan references: CPUC R.10-12-007).
vii. Schedule 2.75 years
viii. EPIC Funds Encumbered $ $698,506
ix. EPIC Funds Spent $1,833,968
x. Partners (if applicable) N/A
xi. Match Funding (if applicable) N/A
xii. Match Funding Split (if applicable) N/A
xiii. Funding Mechanism (if applicable) Pay for performance
xiv. Treatment of Intellectual Property (if applicable) N/A
xv. Status Update Project completed in 2016. Final Report was included in 2016 EPIC Annual Report.
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Project #1.02 – Demonstrate the Use of Distributed Energy Storage for Transmission and Distribution (T&D) Cost Reduction
i. Investment Plan Period 1st Triennial (2012-2014)
ii. Assignment to Value Chain Distribution; Grid Operation/Market Design
iii. Objective Demonstrate the ability of a utility operated energy storage asset to address
capacity overloads on the distribution system and improve reliability. This project addresses the following CPUC proceedings:
This project will count towards the IOU energy procurement targets as set forth in D.10-03-040, the Energy Storage Procurement Framework.
As applicable, operational experiences gained from this project can inform outstanding policy and implementation issues as identified in Energy Storage OIR R.15-03-011.
iv. Scope Deploy utility operated energy storage asset at a single site. Demonstrate peak shaving use case along with other site-specific use cases
as suggested by distribution operators (DO). v. Deliverables
Identify energy storage site based on project objectives. Identify an economic modeling tool to compare the planned traditional utility
with alternatives using distributed resources or demand-side investments. Construct and integrate energy storage system. Test system and analyze results to prove project objectives.
vi. Metrics 1c – Avoided procurement and generation costs. 7b – Increased use of cost-effective digital information and control technology
to improve reliability, security, and efficiency of the electric grid (Pub. Util. Code § 8360).
7d – Deployment and integration of cost-effective distributed resources and generation, including renewable resources (Pub. Util. Code § 8360).
9c – EPIC project results referenced in regulatory proceedings and policy reports (Business Plan references: Deferring a capacity upgrade has been identified as a key potential value of EST and noted in filings with the CPUC/Assembly Bill (AB) 2514.
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vii. Schedule 3.5 years
viii. EPIC Funds Encumbered $ $2,691,736
ix. EPIC Funds Spent $4,010,510
x. Partners (if applicable) N/A
xi. Match Funding (if applicable) No
xii. Match Funding Split (if applicable) N/A
xiii. Funding Mechanism (if applicable) Pay for Performance
xiv. Treatment of Intellectual Property (if applicable) N/A
xv. Status Update Project completed in February 2018. Final Report included in 2017 EPIC Annual Report.
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Project #1.03 – Demonstrate Priority Scenarios from the Energy Storage Framework
i. Investment Plan Period 1st Triennial (2012-2014)
ii. Assignment to Value Chain Grid Operation/Market Design
iii. Objective The project aims to reduce existing barriers to deployment of battery energy
storage systems by demonstrating whether post-electric vehicle (EV) “second life” batteries can cost-effectively perform electric distribution services. The project will demonstrate the potential for reduced energy storage system costs via a) the development of an integration platform for deploying such batteries (Phase 1) and b) the use of lower cost “second life” batteries in the integrated platform (Phase 2).
iv. Scope N/A
v. Deliverables N/A
vi. Metrics N/A
vii. Schedule N/A
viii. EPIC Funds Encumbered $0
ix. EPIC Funds Spent $0
x. Partners (if applicable) N/A
xi. Match Funding (if applicable) N/A
xii. Match Funding Split (if applicable) N/A
xiii. Funding Mechanism (if applicable) N/A
xiv. Treatment of Intellectual Property (if applicable) N/A
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xv. Status Update Project not executed.
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Project #1.04 – Expand Test Lab and Pilot Facilities for New Energy Storage Systems
i. Investment Plan Period 1st Triennial (2012-2014)
ii. Assignment to Value Chain Grid operations/market design
iii. Objective This project would identify ways to enhance the existing test lab facilities at
PG&E’s Applied Technology Services (ATS) center to provide lab test and pilot facilities for new energy storage systems not previously lab tested. PG&E’s ATS lab will be particularly helpful in working with the CEC and industry to test “next generation” technologies that have the potential to make breakthroughs in cost, performance targets, and other important parameters, in a test grid environment. This testing would be a critical step in accelerating commercialization of potential “game changing” technology. New types of technology that may be tested at ATS include, but are not limited to, advanced lithium devices, new sodium-based systems, zinc-air systems and new flow battery chemistries and formats. The funding required to add full capabilities to ATS is minimal. The costs to perform the tests will be paid by the industry or by entities that have received research grants from agencies such as the CEC or Department of Energy (DOE).
iv. Scope N/A
v. Deliverables N/A
vi. Metrics N/A
vii. Schedule N/A
viii. EPIC Funds Encumbered N/A
ix. EPIC Funds Spent N/A
x. Partners (if applicable) N/A
xi. Match Funding (if applicable) N/A
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xii. Match Funding Split (if applicable) N/A
xiii. Funding Mechanism (if applicable) N/A
xiv. Treatment of Intellectual Property (if applicable) N/A
xv. Status Update Formally Withdrawn. CPUC A.12-11-003, 10/15/2013.
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Project #1.05 – Demonstrate New Resource Forecast Methods to Better Predict Variable Resource Output
i. Investment Plan Period 1st Triennial (2012-2014)
ii. Assignment to Value Chain Distribution
iii. Objective Demonstration of emerging capabilities in mesoscale modeling to provide
more granular and accurate weather forecasting input to PG&E’s storm damage prediction model, and to other PG&E forecasting applications, like catastrophic wildfire risk and PV generation. The main goal is more effective and granular damage prediction, and therefore more efficient response to storm events.
iv. Scope Project focus is on development, deployment, and implementation of an
operational version of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) mesoscale model to support PG&E’s forecasting program related to fire, storms and solar production.
Not in scope for this project are enhancements to PG&E’s RWP, other than improved forecast damage numbers.
v. Deliverables Fully functional mesoscale modeling system known as POMMS (PG&E
Operational Mesoscale Modeling System) that will provide the following: Detailed weather input into PG&E’s damage prediction modeling system
(SOPP). Next generation wildfire threat awareness system. Historical and forecast solar irradiance data to internal PG&E
stakeholders. vi. Metrics
3a – Maintain/Reduce operations and maintenance costs. 4a – GHG emissions reductions (MMTCO2e). 5c – Forecast accuracy improvement. 5e – Utility worker safety improvement and hazard exposure reduction.
vii. Schedule 3.25 years
viii. EPIC Funds Encumbered $535,055
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ix. EPIC Funds Spent $823,890
x. Partners (if applicable) N/A
xi. Match Funding (if applicable) N/A
xii. Match Funding Split (if applicable) N/A
xiii. Funding Mechanism (if applicable) Pay for performance
xiv. Treatment of Intellectual Property (if applicable)
N/A xv. Status Update
Project completed in 2016.
Final Report was included in 2016 EPIC Annual Report.
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Project #1.06 – Demonstrate Communication Systems Allowing the CAISO to Utilize Available Renewable Generation Flexibility
i. Investment Plan Period 1st Triennial (2012-2014)
ii. Assignment to Value Chain Grid Operation/Market Design
iii. Objective This project would demonstrate the use of accepted communications
protocols to allow the CAISO to send an operating signal to reduce output under specified conditions, as allowed by contracts.
iv. Scope N/A
v. Deliverables N/A
vi. Metrics N/A
vii. Schedule N/A
viii. EPIC Funds Encumbered $0
ix. EPIC Funds Spent N/A
x. Partners (if applicable) N/A
xi. Match Funding (if applicable) N/A
xii. Match Funding Split (if applicable) N/A
xiii. Funding Mechanism (if applicable) N/A
xiv. Treatment of Intellectual Property (if applicable) N/A
xv. Status Update
Project not executed.
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Project #1.07 – Demonstrate Systems to Ramp Existing Gas-Fired Generation More Quickly to Adapt to Changes in Variable Energy Resources Output
i. Investment Plan Period 1st Triennial (2012-2014)
ii. Assignment to Value Chain Grid operations/market design
iii. Objective There are 33 General Electric (GE) 7FA gas turbines installed in combined
cycle configurations in California, which is considerably more than any other turbine model. GE offers a product marketed as “OpFlex Balance” that uses advanced controls technology to improve ramp rates to as high as 40 megawatts (MW) per minute (or higher in some cases). As of October 2012, none of the 7FAs in California were using this product. This project proposes to demonstrate improved ramp rate capabilities on one 7FA so that it can serve as a model for the rest of the 7FA fleet. It is assumed that there would be cost share with the vendor and the selected plant owner.
iv. Scope N/A
v. Deliverables N/A
vi. Metrics N/A
vii. Schedule N/A
viii. EPIC Funds Encumbered N/A
ix. EPIC Funds Spent N/A
x. Partners (if applicable) N/A
xi. Match Funding (if applicable) N/A
xii. Match Funding Split (if applicable) N/A
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xiii. Funding Mechanism (if applicable) N/A
xiv. Treatment of Intellectual Property (if applicable) N/A
xv. Status Update Formally Withdrawn CPUC A.12-11-003, 10/15/2013.
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Project #1.08 – Improve Distribution System Safety and Reliability Through New Data Analytics Techniques
i. Investment Plan Period 1st Triennial (2012-2014)
ii. Assignment to Value Chain Transmission; Distribution
iii. Objective Develop and demonstrate a new data analytics technique to improve
distribution system safety and reliability. The project specifically developed and tested a System Tool for Asset Risk (STAR), which is an enterprise software application that Electric Operations will use to calculate and display (graphically and geospatially) risk scores for electric transmission, substation and distribution assets. The STAR will enable an automated, system-wide application to improve risk identification, prioritization, and investment decisions to support electric system safety.
iv. Scope Demonstrate whether the ever-increasing amounts of data can be mined and
combined for targeted, cost-effective use for improved asset management. Potential scenarios include risk-based asset management, safety hazard
mitigation and proactive outage prediction using self-serve and virtual integration environments.
v. Deliverables Overview of existing applications and data sources. Assessment of existing data source quality. High-level future business processes by functional area. Inventory of asset risk algorithms (formulas or complexity) for “In Scope”
asset classes. High-level Change Management Approach. Prioritized and phased implementation plan. Cost estimate for full implementation of the STAR project. Proof of concept prototype.
vi. Metrics 7c – Dynamic optimization of grid operations and resources; including
appropriate consideration for asset management and utilization of related grid operations and resource, with cost-effective full cyber security (Pub. Util. Code § 8360).
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3a – Maintain/Reduce operations and maintenance costs: With the improved understanding of risk, there could be a better tool for evaluating projects such as asset replacement.
vii. Schedule 2.25 years
viii. EPIC Funds Encumbered $1,249,505
ix. EPIC Funds Spent $2,112,640
x. Partners (if applicable) N/A
xi. Match Funding (if applicable) N/A
xii. Match Funding Split (if applicable) N/A
xiii. Funding Mechanism (if applicable) Pay for performance
xiv. Treatment of Intellectual Property (if applicable) N/A
xv. Status Update Project completed in 2015. Final report included in 2015 EPIC Annual Report.
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Project #1.09A – Test New Remote Monitoring and Control Systems for Existing Transmission and Distribution Assets: Close Proximity Switching
i. Investment Plan Period 1st Triennial (2012-2014)